35 Of The Best Movies On Stan Right Now (August 2025)

Nothing ruins a cosy night on the couch faster than a painfully long ‘what shall we watch’ scroll fest. We feel you — we’ve been there. So, to save you from this modern-day torture, we’ve rounded up the 40+ best new movies on Stan right now. 

From thought-provoking and career-defining films like The Last Showgirl (my gosh, do we love Pammy’s defiant comeback right now) to relax and switch-your-brain-off classics like Never Been Kissed, we’ve got something here to suit any mood. So grab your popcorn, make yourself comfy, and get ready to smash out some awesome movies. 

The Last Showgirl

We’re loving Pamela Anderson’s defiant comeback vibes right now. And, with critics claiming that she delivers “the performance of a lifetime” in The Last Showgirl, she’s showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. The story follows a 57-year-old showgirl (played by Anderson) who is forced to redefine her self-worth when her show abruptly closes after a 30-year run. There are defo parallels between the actress and the character she’s playing here, which adds even more depth to a layered and impressive performance. It’s not a chill with popcorn while scrolling on your phone kinda film, but it is worth a watch if you like made-you-think movies that scrutinise the entertainment industry and our image-obsessed society

Queer

It’s hard not to see Daniel Craig as anything but a slightly pouty but oh so tough (and wonderfully ripped) James Bond. But, in this period drama set in 1950s Mexico, he plays a disenchanted American expat battling loneliness and addiction. Pretty different, eh? The film is based on William S. Burroughs’ semi-autobiographical novella and explores the relationship between William Lee (played by Craig) and a younger man. Their complicated romance takes them on a literal and figurative journey centred around the hallucinogenic drug, Yagé, which blurs the lines between reality and desire. Critics generally loved this one and praised Daniel Craig’s performance in particular. So if you’re a Craig fan—or love movies that explore the complicated facets of Queer identity—give this one a go.

​​The Surfer

Full disclosure: we’re yet to watch this one. It looks suuuuper intense, so we’re gearing ourselves up to watch it on a day when we can handle the mental load. On paper, this Stan Original sounds chill enough—a middle-aged man returns to Australia to buy back his family home and has some conflict with nearby surfers who don’t like non-locals. But, if the trailer (and Nicolas Cage in the lead role) is anything to go by, it’s a wild, maniacal, and borderline hallucinogenic low-budget thriller about a terrifying combination of toxic masculinity and a mid-life crisis. So, if that’s your thing…go forth, enjoy, and report back.

Sing Sing

In the mood for a powerful and moving film about human resilience and the power of rehabilitation? Sounds heavy, but we promise you won’t be disappointed with this one. Based on a true story, the movie explores the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing maximum security prison. Colman Domingo (who can literally do no wrong) stars as a wrongfully imprisoned man who finds purpose and joy in the prison’s theatre program. He’s backed by an incredible cast, many of whom are former members of the real-life RTA program. Although it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of prison life, it’s a feel-good movie at the end of the day, with plenty of emotional depth to boot.

Rabbit-Proof Fence

While this 2002 drama is not new, it’s a must-see for anyone who calls Australia home. It follows the true story of three Aboriginal girls who were kidnapped from their home in 1931 as part of the government’s assimilation policy. After being sent to a settlement over 1,500 miles away, the young girls escape and embark on a remarkable yet harrowing journey through the brutal Australian outback to make their way home. It’s a difficult-to-watch yet profoundly powerful film that highlights both the horrific injustices inflicted upon the Stolen Generation and the quiet resilience of Aboriginal communities.

Thirteen Lives

It feels like yesterday that the Wild Boars soccer team was trapped in Thailand’s Tham Luang Nang Non caves. But if you need a refresher on the events that gripped the world almost seven years ago, Thirteen Lives is available to stream now. Directed by Ron Howard (Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, How the Grinch Stole Christmas), the movie is a thrilling account of the incredible 18-day rescue mission that followed the team’s disappearance. Starring Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, Joel Edgerton, and Tom Bateman, it’s emotional, dramatic, and - according to some critics - impressively claustrophobic. We wouldn’t recommend watching it when you feel hungover or fragile, but if you’re in the mood for a tension-filled movie based on a true story, go for gold.

Girl You Know It’s True

You may or may not have been old enough to remember the height of the R&B duo’s fame in the late 80s and early 90s, but you’ve probably at least heard of Milli Vanilli. After a lip-syncing scandal that revealed they never actually recorded or performed their music, they were basically hardcore cancelled before cancel culture was even a thing. But now, decades later, with the sympathy and clarity of hindsight, Girl You Know It’s True explores their story, exposing the pressures of the music industry, the tragedy of addiction, and the dark side of fame. Maybe not an easy-watching, pick-me-up kind of movie, but a decent one nonetheless.

Memoir of a Snail

Who knew stop-motion animation could be moving as well as funny? From the brain of award-winning Aussie animator Adam Elliot, Memoir of a Snail explores the life of reclusive hoarder and snail enthusiast Grace. From the tragic death of her father and separation from her twin brother during childhood to the complex relationships of adulthood, the story follows Grace’s life journey through loss, pain, isolation, and eventual personal growth. Sweet, poignant, and filled with Aussie talents like Sarah Snook, Jacki Weaver, and Eric Bana, this Oscar-nominated movie, available to stream from April 15, will give you all the feels.

White Bird

It’s definitely no Schindler’s List, but if you want a moving, surprisingly uplifting, and at times weirdly magical holocaust drama, you’ll enjoy White Bird. Following a young French Jewish girl forced into hiding by Nazi occupation, the story explores the extraordinary power of human kindness and bravery in the face of horrific brutality and unfathomable injustice. If you’re only checking this one out to see Helen Mirren, you should know that her story-within-a-story narration is relatively limited (and actually quite pointless to be honest). The real power of this film is the two young and up-and-coming actors at the heart of the story. It’s not an easy watch by any means, but if you’re keen for a good cry, it’ll get you there!

The Apprentice

No, this is not another instalment of the long-running reality series that, among other things, catapulted Donald Trump to president-earning levels of fame but, rather, a biographical film about his career in the 1970s and 80s. The film explores Trump’s early days in the business world as he tries to emerge from his father’s shadow. Based on true events, it largely focuses on Trump’s relationship with infamous lawyer, Roy Cohn (played by Succession’s Jeremy Strong). This independent film received an eight-minute standing ovation at Cannes but struggled to find an American distributor—probably because it’s a big old political hot potato! But, if you want to watch The Apprentice in good old Straya, you can catch it on Stan right now.

The Substance

Hailed by many critics as Demi Moore’s finest hour, The Substance is an outrageously grotesque, satirical, and the opposite of subtle horror movie that examines the societal pressures around women’s ageing bodies. The story follows super famous actress, Elisabeth Sparkle (played by Moore) who, after being rejected and cast aside because of her age, uses a black market drug to unleash a younger version of herself along with a heap of less-than-ideal side effects. If you need a cute mid-week pick-me-up with your popcorn and a pint of ice cream, this one’s too hard basket. But, if you’re in the mood for some gruesome imagery and unapologetically blunt social commentary, The Substance is worth a watch.

Dune: Part 1

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Based on Frank Herbert’s iconic sci-fi novel, Dune: Part 1 is a visually stunning masterpiece directed by Denis Villeneuve. Set in a distant future where noble families vie for control of the desert planet Arrakis, the film follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), a young heir thrust into a perilous battle over the planet’s valuable spice, a resource essential for space travel. With breathtaking cinematography, epic world-building, and an ensemble cast that includes Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, and Jason Momoa, Dune: Part 1 captivates with its sweeping visuals and intense performances. It's a must-watch for sci-fi fans and anyone seeking an immersive cinematic experience. Watch it here.

Don't Worry Darling

Set in the 1950s, Don't Worry Darling is a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Directed by Olivia Wilde, this stylish and suspenseful film stars Florence Pugh as Alice, a housewife living in the seemingly idyllic and tightly controlled community of Victory. Her perfect life begins to unravel when she starts questioning the mysterious corporation her husband Jack, played by Harry Styles, works for. As Alice digs deeper into the secrets of their seemingly perfect world, she uncovers a dark reality lurking beneath the surface. With stunning visuals, a haunting soundtrack, and a gripping narrative, Don't Worry Darling is a must-watch for fans of thrillers and mind-bending mysteries. Watch it here.

Transfusion

Starring Sam Worthington (Avatar), Phoebe Tonkin (Bloom) and Matt Nable (The Dry and Poker Face), Transfusion is a taut, muscular Aussie thriller that follows former special forces operative, Ryan Logan (Worthington). Battling to cope with life after the loss of his wife, Logan is suddenly thrust into the criminal underworld to keep his only son from being taken from him. Watch it here.

Crazy Rich Asians

Let's be honest, 2018 was a damn good time. Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra tied the knot, Ariana released Thank U, Next and everyone was dancing to Drake's In My Feelings challenge. We were also gifted, the absolute knockout, film of the decade—Crazy Rich Asians. The movie was, and still is, prolific for a number of reasons; it gave agency to female characters, flipped the traditional Asian rom-com trope on its head and was the first all-Asian cast produced by Hollywood since 90s drama The Joy Luck Club. We could really harp on for hours, maybe days, about this one but if you're just here for the summary, here goes.

Based on the outrageously funny novel by Kevin Kwan of the same name, Crazy Rich Asians is a rom-com whereby Rachel Chu heads to her boyfriend's best friend's wedding in Singapore. On arrival, she realises that her boyfriend's family is richer than rich; and he's considered one of Singapore's most eligible bachelors. This one never gets old. Watch it here.

A Star Is Born

We mean, this one needs no introduction. Whether you've watched it a million times already or are yet to witness the on-screen magic of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born is a timeless piece of art. There are many reasons why this movie trumps all others but most notably,  A Star Is Born made Lady-G the first woman in history to nab up an Academy Award, Grammy, BAFTA and Golden Globe in a single year for her contribution on the soundtrack for the movie. Watch it here.

Mother

Nothing says Friday movie night quite like a psychological horror film. Enter Darren Aronofsky's Mother,  the 2017 messed-up flick starring Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer. In this one, a poet and his wife live a tranquil life in a burnt-out house. However, when uninvited guests come barging in, the couple's life turns chaotic and shocking events unfold. We love this one because of its powerful allegory (real movie nerds will know), where Bardem's character is seemingly staged as 'God', Lawrence's character is staged as 'Mother Earth' and the house represents the environment. Good stuff. Watch it here.

Zero Dark Thirty

We know this movie doesn’t need an introduction but here it is anyway. Zero Dark Thirty is a dramatisation of the decade-long tracking of Osama Bin Laden and is essentially two hours and thirty minutes of action gold, a war thriller directed by the Academy Award winner Kathryn Bigelow. Watch it here.

Changing Lanes

If you've never watched Changing Lanes before, now is the time. Starring Ben Afleck and Samuel L. Jackson, this movie follows a young Wall Street lawyer and a recovering alcoholic as they're both racing to get to court on time. The two get into a crash with each other, resulting in some pretty major consequences for both. From here, the two decide to get revenge on each other. Watch Changing Lanes here.

Gold

Okay people, if you haven’t kicked your heels up to watch the Stan Original that is all the rave right now, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Gold is led by an all-star cast featuring Zac Efron, Susie Porter and Anthony Hayes. The thriller is about greed and the lengths people will go to secure themselves a fortune—two drifters stumble across the biggest gold nugget ever found in the desert and they hatch a plan to protect and excavate their find with one man leaving to grab all gear needed to strip it from the ground. As for the other guy? Well, he gets the glorious task of enduring harsh elements, wild dogs and intruders while he waits for his mate to get back. Lovely.

Nightcrawler 

Nightcrawler is a psychological thriller that you’ll be hard pressed to tear yourself away from. It follows Louis Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal), a driven man desperate for work, who eventually muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism. But soon his hunger for a good story grows too large and he begins to blur the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story. Aiding in his effort is Nina (Rene Russo), a TV news veteran who will stop at nothing to be the number news anchor in the country. 

Nitram

The first Australian film to be selected for Official Competition at the Cannes Film Festival in a decade (with Caleb Landry Jones winning Best Actor honours for his performance), Nitram depicts the events leading up to one of the darkest chapters in Australian history in an attempt to understand why and how this atrocity occurred. It features an all-star Aussie cast including Caleb Landry Jones, Essie Davis, Judy Davis and Anthony LaPaglia.

Streamline

Executive produced by retired swimming star Ian Thorpe, Streamline follows the talented Benjamin (Levi Miller) a 15-year-old swimming prodigy whose disciplined world collapses in on itself when his long-absent father is released from prison. With buried traumas from his childhood brought back to the surface, catalysing a spate of self-destructive behaviours. The question is, will this young athlete's promising career sink to the watery depths?

The Departed

And oldie but absolutely a film worth your time, put The Departed to the top of your must watch list. It follows south Boston cop Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) as he goes undercover to infiltrate the organisation of gangland chief Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). As Billy gains the mobster's trust, a career criminal named Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) infiltrates the police department and reports on its activities to his syndicate bosses. When both organisations learn they have a mole in their midst, Billy and Colin must figure out each other's identities to save their own lives.

Wind River

This mystery thriller will have you on the edge of your seat. It follows Cory (Jeremy Renner) a veteran hunter who joins forces with green FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) to investigate the tragic murder of an 18-year-old woman on a Wyoming Native Amercian reservation. Taking place in the middle of a freezing winter in sub zero temperatures, the unlikely duo find that when they scratch the surface, sinister secrets of the local townspeople—and the truth behind the murder—are revealed. If you're looking for one the best movies on Stan right now—Wind River is it.

Wonder

Based on the New York Times bestseller, Wonder is one of the best movies on Stan right now. It tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman, a young boy with facial differences who is starting year five at a mainstream primary school for the first time in his life. Facing discrimination and barriers, this movie will make you cry so make sure you keep the tissues close. It features a banging cast including Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay. 

What To Expect When You’re Expecting

Featuring an all-star cast (including Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chris Rock and Anna Kendrick), this feel-good rom com is the perfect weekend movie. It follows the lives of five interconnected couples as they experience the thrills and surprises of having a baby, and realise that no matter what you plan for, life does not always deliver what is expected. It's like Love Actually but with baby bumps. 

High Ground

One of the best movies on Stan right now, put High Ground to the top of your must-watch list. The powerful flick follows former World War I fighter turned police officer Travis (Simon Baker), who, after losing control of an operation in the NT that resulted in the massacre of an Aboriginal tribe, leaves the force in disgust. Fast forward 12 years and Travis is called back to the job, this time to find Baywara, an Aboriginal warrior whose attacks on new settlers are causing havoc. Helping him track down Baywara is Gutjuk (Jacob Junior Nayinggul) a young Aboriginal man and the only known massacre survivor. What Travis doesn’t realise is that Baywara is Gutjuk’s uncle, and the hunter is about to become the hunted. 

Hacksaw Ridge

Directed by Mel Gibson and based on the 2004 documentary The Conscientious Objector, ​​Hacksaw Ridge will keep you on the edge of your seat until the credits roll. Scoring a whopping six Oscar nominations in 2016 the flick tells the extraordinary true story of Desmond Doss (BAFTA winner and Golden Globe nominee Andrew Garfield) who, in Okinawa during the bloodiest battle of WWII, saved 75 men without firing or carrying a gun. The all-star cast features a slew of talented Aussies including Sam Worthington, Hugo Weaving, Luke Bracey and Rachel Griffiths. 

The Hitman’s Bodyguard

In this action comedy, Ryan Reynolds stars as Michael Bryce, a former triple A rated executive protection agent and CIA officer who has built up a reputation as being one of the world’s best private hire bodyguards. But he appears to have met his match when he gets his latest client, Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson)—one of the world's most notorious hitmen. Bryce’s job? To keep Kincaid alive until he testifies at the International Criminal Court. Together, they must put their differences aside and work together to make it to the trial on time. Special shout out to Selma Hayek who plays the hitman’s wife and has her own spin-off flick at the cinemas right now. 

Gifted

Keep the tissues close for this indie drama from the same director as (500) Days Of Summer. Gifted follows Frank (Chris Evans), a former college professor turned boat repairman who has been raising his niece Mary since she was six months old after his sister tragically passed away. Frank is following his sister’s one dying wish—that Mary have a normal childhood that is filled with love. But when word spreads that now seven-year-old Mary is in fact a child genius, Frank’s mother Evelyn turns up on their doorstep and fights for full custody of Mary so she can send her to a gifted school. 

The Big Sick

Based on true events, The Big Sick is produced by Judd Apatow (Bridesmaids and Trainwreck) so you just know this romantic comedy is going to be the goods. It goes like this: Kumail (Kumail Nanjiani), a Pakistani comic and part-time Uber driver, meets and falls for American graduate student Emily while at one of his gigs. Their whirlwind romance comes to an abrupt end when Emily learns Kumail’s parents are planning an arranged marriage for him. But when Emily gets sick and falls into a coma, Kumail finds himself forming a deep bond with her parents, played by Ray Romano and Holly Hunter. 

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Moonlight

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